Kong Fooey Newsletter Interview

Predominately hip hop inspired but not afraid to infuse old school funk, soul, dance hall, heavy bass and solid grooves, Kong Fooey is a unique sound with hard hitting positive vibes, big hooks and solid beats. Kong Fooey is the alter ego of mild mannered drummer/producer Jason Peters who having drummed for various rock bands over the years – most notably for 90’s heavy hitters Pumpkinhead – uses his knowledge of beats and percussion to provide the back bone of what is the groove-heavy Kong Fooey sound. Jason answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

How would you describe Kong Fooey’s music in one sentence?

Catchy vintage funk, hip hop beats and groovy soul.

What has been your most memorable show to date?

Our first show, supporting Supergroove and playing to 12,000 people in our home town at the Christchurch Beer Festival last Summer.

What can we expect to see from Kong Fooey over the next year?

EP to be released at end of this year, and a full album to be released sometime in 2014, plus a bunch more live shows.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Be patient, persevere, have gratitude and have fun!

Tell us about Kong Fooey’s next release.

5 Track EP featuring our first single Let Go, and our follow up single Aim Your Arrow.

What inspired you to start Kong Fooey?

After 20 years drumming in rock bands it was time to put down the sticks and have a crack at producing electronic songs with a good groove and a positive message, inspired by artists like Beastie Boys, Kora, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and DJ Shadow.

How did you come up with the name Kong Fooey?

As a kid, my fave cartoon in the 70’s was Hong Kong Phooey.

What local albums have you been enjoying recently?

Really been enjoying Blackbird by Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter‘s Delta